Sunday, August 17, 2008

Crater Lake to Willamette Pass

We just stopped off at Shelter Cove Resort for showers and laundry, then hiked three miles to Willamette Pass, a ski resort that is only open Friday to Sunday, where we are filling up on pizza and onion rings and watching the Olympics, something we have both been sad to miss out on. Go women's volleyball!!

Steve had read about this place last week and was very strategic in getting us here on a day they are open. He's very serious when it comes to food consumption. And good thing he is, since our box of food didn't arrive! Luckily with the combination of our leftover food, some of Fireman's extra food and the small store at Shelter Cove, we should survive. However if you don't hear from us for a week, you know where to look for our starving bodies :)

A few updates from the last few days...

- We hiked through a butterfly migration. It was the oddest thing to watch. We were hiking up Mt. Thiesen and hundreds of butterflies were flying up and over the trail toward the top of the mountain. When we hiked around to the other side, they were doing the same thing - they all appeared to be going the same place. Steve thinks they were migrating to their death, but I prefer more positive thoughts... perhaps a butterfly and fairy convention?

- Apparently Oregon is like Southern California - it's relatively flat, there are long stretches without water and it is wicked hot. Except the heat is actually humid and during the heat the grey clouds move in, it thunders, and then it rains on you. It wasn't actually enough rain to do any damage, but did give us the practice of putting our rain gear on.

- We have met all four south-bound hikers. Seven started but three had to quit. The good news is that it sounds like snow shouldn't be a problem for us.

- Afficionados of the classic educational game "Oregon Trail" will be interested to know we literally hiked the Oregon Trail - a section of trail that was originally cleared by a wagon train in the 1850's. Steve tried to ford a river and lost two oxen; I caught Cholera.

Steve, all I can think of when I see your pics now, courtesy of Caterpillar, is that book called "Year of Living Biblically." You look just like the guy who lives like a Nazarene for a year!! Lovin' that beard! :)